Massachusetts Father Goes Missing on South Carolina Vacation
In a distressing turn of events, a Massachusetts father, Stanley Kotowski (60), has been reported missing during a family vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Kotowski was last spotted on Friday, August 16, 2024, around 10:30 a.m. near South Sea Pines Drive.
Stanley’s Disappearance
Authorities report that Kotowski was seen leaving his family’s vacation rental condo with no shoes or personal belongings, not even his phone. The last visual proof of his presence is from a Ring doorbell camera showing him wearing a Coors Light T-shirt, shorts, but barefoot. Stanley Kotowski is approximately 6 feet tall, with brown eyes and hair.
His son, Zak Kotowski expressed their desperation, stating, “We love him and we miss him. We just want him to come home. You’re not in trouble, Dad. We love you.”
A Man Under Distress
Stanley Kotowski’s wife, Jackie, explained to the authorities that her husband has been suffering from severe anxiety and insomnia lately, with the anxiety recently escalating into paranoia. However, she clarified that he doesn’t have dementia. “His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse, and he started to get a little paranoid,” Jackie told authorities.
Manhunt On for Missing Man
Promptly responding to the Kotowski’s distress call, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has employed multiple resources in the search effort, including K9 units, helicopters, drones, boats, and foot patrol. They are methodically searching through residential and wooded areas in several South Beaufort County locations.
The sheriff’s office is urging the locals not to interfere with the search operations but encourages them to dial 843-524-2777 if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of Stanley Kotowski. Residents near the area of disappearance are also asked to check their properties for any signs of the missing Massachusetts man.
Public Assistance Requested
Apart from checking their properties, the sheriff’s office is also requesting those with surveillance cameras in the area to review their footage. This is in hopes of catching a glimpse of Stanley Kotowski’s movements post-disappearance, thereby providing a vital lead to the case. For a family who embarked on a journey for relaxation and bonding, this vacation has turned into a desperate search for their loved one. As the search intensifies, the family and the authorities are hoping for a safe return of Stanley Kotowski.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
